Feeback sought on new Whistler Mountain trail

Whistler-Blackcomb and B.C. Parks are still hoping to start construction on a new trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park by the end of summer, but the public input period has been kept open to the end of the month. The trail will connect the peak of Whistler to the Musical Bumps.

Feedback from an open house in late July was mostly positive.

"B.C. Parks and Whistler-Blackcomb believe it's a good project, it fits in with B.C. Parks' master plan for the area but we want to make sure that we leave lots of time for public feedback," said Arthur DeJong, mountain planning and environmental resource manager for Whistler-Blackcomb.

Whistler opened the Peak Chair to hikers and sightseers this year, and believe the proposed trail, which would run along the back of the mountain with views of Cheakamus Lake and Black Tusk, provides one of the most scenic views in the region.

In exchange for the two kilometer trail, which will connect to the Musical Bumps Trail to Singing Pass, Whistler-Blackcomb will provide B.C. Parks with funding and resources to restore Singing Pass trails.

"For us the trail is not a 'must do' but we do think it will be a nice thing to do," said DeJong. "I know that B.C. Parks would like to see the trail construction start at the end of the summer so it could be completed for next year. The work on the Musical Bumps trail could also get underway at the same time." n